"Let’s head to another city then," Xu Zimo said calmly, glancing once more at Yellow Spring City.

If he were traveling alone, he wouldn’t have minded staying.

But since several disciples from the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground were with him, none of them particularly powerful, Xu Zimo didn’t see the point in taking unnecessary risks.

The group continued their journey. By the time they reached the next city, night had fully fallen.

"Flowfire City!"

They entered the city, which was brightly lit and bustling with life.

Dark River explained, "This entire region, including Flowfire City, is governed by the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain. Though not an imperial lineage, their strength is on par with one. They are one of the most renowned factions in the Holyflower Region."

The group picked an inn at random for the night, not bothering to be picky.

Inside the brightly lit inn, they reserved rooms and then ordered some food downstairs.

“Tomorrow, let’s part ways,” Xu Zimo said to the disciples from the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground.

“I’m heading to the Heaven-Severing Sacred Ground. You’ll be continuing your training elsewhere.”

“Thanks for looking out for us, Brother Xu,” Lu Tian said, standing up and downing a drink.

The others also expressed their gratitude.

At the side, Shang Xiaoxiao remained quiet, her expression somewhat low.

She looked at Xu Zimo and said, “If you ever come to the Northern Continent, please visit me at the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground.”

Xu Zimo smiled and nodded. “Of course. Every encounter is fate.”

…

As they chatted, the moonlight outside grew colder and clearer, stars sparse across the sky.

Suddenly, a group of black-clad men burst into the inn.

Without a word, they began smashing the place apart.

Bang! Bang! Bang! echoed through the inn.

All the other patrons panicked and ran upstairs to hide, except for Xu Zimo’s table and another nearby.

“Stop! Stop!” the innkeeper rushed out to stop them.

But the masked men ignored him, one of them even kicking him to the ground before continuing the destruction.

The innkeeper, helpless to stop them, could only crouch on the floor and weep bitterly.

…

The black-clad men kept advancing until they noticed Xu Zimo’s group and the table beside them still seated.

With a cold snort, one of them raised a chair and hurled it toward them.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Lu Tian frowned, drawing his sword and slicing the chair in half.

“These guys are looking for trouble,” the Martial Zenith Sacred Ground disciples drew their blades and rushed forward.

At the nearby table sat three people: A handsome young man and two older men who looked like servants.

As the disciples and masked men clashed, the refined youth coughed softly.

One of the old servants waved his hand, and spiritual energy surged in the air. A massive hand formed from spiritual power and smashed all the attackers away.

“Empyrean Meridian realm,” Dark River muttered to himself.

Xu Zimo chuckled as he calmly continued eating, saying, “Disguised as a man.”

Although the youth’s disguise was good, Xu Zimo instantly saw through it, she was a woman in disguise.

“Shopkeeper, what’s going on here?” asked Guo Zhi, one of the disciples.

“It’s the Liu Clan! I’m sure it was ordered by Liu Zhe, their second young master!” the innkeeper cried.

“What Liu Clan? Who’s Liu Zhe? Speak clearly,” Lu Tian pressed.

“The Liu Clan is the largest clan in Flowfire City. They were appointed by the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain to rule here,” the innkeeper explained.

“Liu Zhe is arrogant and lawless. Practically every business in town has to secretly pay him protection money. Not long ago, he demanded payment from me. I refused, and this is what happened, they trashed my inn.”

“Unbelievable! Doesn’t anyone rein him in?” Guo Zhi said angrily.

“The Liu Clan’s old master spoils him completely. He’s like a tyrant in Flowfire City, no one dares stop him,” the innkeeper sighed. “I guess I should just scrape together the silver and pay up, or I’ll lose my business entirely.”

“You don’t need to be afraid. As long as I’m here, I’d like to see just how powerful the Liu Clan really is,” said the disguised young noble coldly.

“I appreciate the kindness, but the Liu Clan really isn’t to be messed with,” the innkeeper said, shaking his head.

“I don’t want to cause more trouble.”

As the innkeeper walked away, the disguised noble approached Xu Zimo’s table and cupped her hands with a faint smile.

“Judging by your actions earlier, I assume you are all people of justice. I am Ying Wushuang. May I ask your names?”

Xu Zimo smiled. Everyone introduced themselves.

Shang Xiaoxiao, a bit worried, said, “Maybe we should leave early tomorrow. After all, this is the Liu Clan’s territory.”

The Martial Zenith disciples all frowned slightly.

They weren’t inexperienced enough to be naive, they knew the saying: “A strong dragon can’t suppress a local snake.”

“No need to worry,” Ying Wushuang replied calmly. “If the Liu Clan dares to push it, I, I mean, this young master, will make them pay.”

“Young master, perhaps it’s best to let the sect handle this,” one of the old servants said.

“What, I can’t handle a measly Liu Clan?” Ying Wushuang said coldly.

“Of course, I didn’t mean that. Just worried others in the sect might accuse you of overreacting,” the old man quickly replied.

“I’m handling this personally. Tomorrow, we go to the Liu Estate,” she said coldly.

The old man nodded, not daring to object further.

Ying Wushuang then turned to Xu Zimo’s group and smiled, “Would you all care to join me tomorrow? Let’s get justice for the people of Flowfire City.”

“Don’t worry, I promise nothing will happen to you.”

“Sure, count us in!” the Martial Zenith disciples all responded excitedly.

They weren’t fools, they could tell this Ying Wushuang had a powerful background, unafraid of the Liu Clan.

And judging from the conversation, it seemed likely she had ties to the Heaven Ascension Holy Mountain itself.

“I’m fine with it,” Xu Zimo glanced at Dark River, who didn’t object either.

…

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

The night passed peacefully.

By early morning, everyone was up and ready. After washing up, they followed Ying Wushuang in a grand procession toward the Liu estate.

Everyone was curious, just who was this Ying Wushuang, really?